Full Casino Gambling at 18 in Florida Faces Special Interest Foes
The Florida Senate is using the state Supreme Court rejection of a Seminole gaming compact to expand gambling in scope and availability. Among the changes contained in the Senate revision are provisions to lower the legal gambling age to eighteen and to bring casino games like roulette and craps to the state.
Faced with restructuring a popular plan negotiated by Governor Charlie Crist, the legislators decided only going even further would meet public demand. Where Crist's plan promised $100 million for state coffers each year, the new bill could generate over $1 billion annually.
The bill would continue to allow Las Vegas slots and blackjack at Seminole casinos. It would also extend blackjack rights to racinos in Broward and Dade counties. Roulette and craps would become Seminole casino exclusives.
As controversial as the gaming expansion promises to be, the low age requirement is sure to spark national news. Florida lawmakers assert if eighteen is old enough to join the military, strip in a nude bar, or vote, it's old enough to gamble.
But not only overly concerned parents will resist this clause. Powerful casino forces will align against the bill, lobbying heavily for its defeat. Gambling interests in other states don't want Florida, with its beautiful beaches and weather, offering the same games they do.
And those vested interests certainly oppose opening casinos to customers not allowed at their gaming establishments. Setting a lower age limit will invite millions of dollars from out of state to lobby against the law, says OCA senior gambling analyst Sherman Bradley.
"The groups will sport names like 'Protect Our Youth' and 'Save the Children', but they will be funded by Las Vegas casino empires and cruise ship lines eager to protect their special circumstances. It will be a tough battle for Florida lawmakers," Bradley said.
